In middle school peer pressure, hit me hard. It was like I badly wanted to be liked by everybody. If someone disliked me I didn’t understand why and I would try so hard to change their mind. It bothered me. But I had to learn to be myself for myself. Be the best me for me and don’t worry about everyone else. I definitely had to learn how to not care if someone didn’t like me.

“ I am now

in a world where I

have to hide my heart

and what I believe in

but somehow

I will show the world

What’s inside my heart

And be loved for who I am”

-Christina Aguilera, Mulan Soundtrack

Fast forward to life today, it has been a struggle adapting to the social dating life and watching my reflection in the mirror as relationships and friendships come and go. I find myself meeting someone new, having the time of me with them for a short period of time. Then something happens and I’m standing in the mirror looking at the girl who tried too hard, or pushed too hard, but has a good heart. I question, “why can’t other see the purest inside me?”. I ponder about, I stare in the mirror at the girl who becoming. It’s my reflection! It’s me! All over again I have to learn to be the best me for me and don’t worry about everyone else.

Word of Advice from Kadii: The people who are meant to be in your life will stay in your life. Those who are unworthy of your grace will fade away. Just continue to be the best you for you.

Growing Pains is a creative writing experience by Passion Locked Blog created Khadijah Nuriddin. If you have not already please read the first of this series, Growing Pains: When I Grow Up. This series is offered exclusively to My Trending Stories, for more from Khadijah visitwww.passionlocked.wordpress.com